Qatar Airport Faces Controversy Over Forced Uterine Examinations of Female Passengers

Conducted to Find Biological Mother of Premature Baby Found in Airport Restroom
Reported by Australian Woman to Media

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Controversy has arisen over forced uterine examinations conducted on female passengers at Qatar Airport.

According to AFP on the 25th (local time), a premature baby was found in the restroom of Hamad Airport in Doha, the capital of Qatar, on the 2nd. Qatari authorities conducted cervical examinations on female passengers at the airport to find the biological mother of the premature baby.

Female passengers on the Qatar-bound flight to Sydney at the time were also transferred by ambulance and had to undergo examinations.

An anonymous informant told AFP, "The female passengers were forcibly examined even though they did not consent."

The incident became known after Australian women who underwent the unwanted examinations reported it to the media.

The Qatar Airways flight QR908, on which these women were traveling, was delayed for about four hours before takeoff.

It is known that women on other flights were also subjected to forced examinations, but the total number of women examined and their nationalities have not been confirmed.

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade reportedly expressed concern about the incident to the Qatari government through official diplomatic channels.

An Australian government spokesperson stated, "This is an unacceptable and very distressing measure."

Hamad Airport explained in a statement, "Medical professionals expressed concerns about the health of the woman who had just given birth," and "We requested cooperation from passengers who had access to the location where the premature baby was found."

The biological mother of the premature baby is still unknown.